Chance to explore major works on Laois canal 

Are you curious about the major work currently taking place at the canal in Vicarstown? Well now is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look from Waterways Ireland. 

A senior engineer from Waterways Ireland will give a guided tour at the Laois site on Sunday morning, March 1 of the restoration work underway including dredging and repairs to the canal wall. 

The Kildare branch of Inland Waterways Association of Ireland has invited the public and canal enthusiasts along for the unique opportunity.

"On Sunday, March 1st 2026 of this coming weekend, one of the Waterways Ireland Senior Engineers on the Barrow Line has kindly offered to give a guided tour of the restoration work that has been done to date in Vicarstown Harbour, Co. Laois," said the group. CONTINUE READING BELOW 

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"We will meet in front of the Vicarstown Bridge Café at 11 am and then hopefully do a walkabout either in or along the edge of the restored section of the canal harbour. 

"This may be the last opportunity to see the fabulous work that has been done on the harbour wall by Waterways Ireland staff and contractors before the dams at both ends are removed and water is restored again to this section of the Barrow Line.

"Please note that Wellington Boots are recommended for use if we visit the harbour basin.

"So please come along and join us for a gathering of canal enthusiasts on this Sunday morning, March 1st 2026 from 11 am onwards at the Vicarstown Bridge Cafe, Vicarstown, Co. Laois, R32 E22T. We hope to see you there."

There have previously been concerns raised about maintenance issues 'damaging boats' on the canal that may impact tourism in the area. Read about it here. 

Councillor Vivienne Phelan recently told Laois County Council that a number of boatowners and a local business in Vicarstown have been experiencing issues. At the time the Fine Gael councillor requested that Laois County Council write to Waterways Ireland to ask that the canal in Vicarstown and the surrounding area be adequately maintained to ensure ease of boat navigation for tourists in summer months.

She said: "I'm not talking about the current work that's going on down there by Waterways Ireland which is dredging and repairs to the wall, that's great that it's taking place. What I'm referring to is routine maintenance where there's weeds in the canal that are not being adequately removed and boats are actually being damaged."